Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber has announced that rock superstar Eddie Van Halen will serve as an Honorary Race Official for the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at PIR on Saturday, April 21. As an Honorary Race Official, Van Halen will be part of pre-race activities and will join Sperber on the pre-race stage greeting drivers as they are introduced prior to the start of the race.

In addition to his duties as an Honorary Race Official, Van Halen will help to unveil a limited edition Fender Stratocaster Guitar as well as a limited edition EVH brand Frankenstein replica guitar at PIR on Friday, April 20. The Fender guitar, with its unique designs, will be presented to the winner of the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500 on Saturday, April 21. The one-of-a-kind PIR Fender Stratocaster Guitar was built by Chris Fleming, Senior Master Builder, in Fender‘s Custom Shop.

“I’m personally delighted that Eddie Van Halen has accepted our invitation to join us as our Honorary Race Official for the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500,” said Sperber. “There is no one who has had the kind of impact on music that he and his band — VAN HALEN — have had. I know it will be a thrill for the drivers and fans to have Eddie at Phoenix International Raceway for the NASCAR weekend.”

A 2007 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Eddie Van Halen is the backbone of one of the most well-known rock and roll bands of all time — VAN HALEN. A legendary rock guitarist, Van Halen and EVH brand guitars, amps and musical products has partnered with the organization for this unique unveiling.

“I am honored on behalf of EVH brand guitars, amps and musical products to be invited to such an exciting and fun event. I feel privileged to be working with such amazing organizations like Phoenix International Raceway, their NASCAR event and Fender,” said Van Halen.

“Rock and roll, fast cars and guitars, I can’t think of a better combination. Fender is proud to partner with our friends, Eddie Van Halen and PIR, for this great occasion.” said Matt Janopaul, President & COO of Fender Musical Instruments Corp.

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20 Years ago today, three 80’s Hard Rock Discs were in the Top Ten on The Billboard Charts.

Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet was # 3, Poison’s Look What the Cat Dragged In was # 6 and Europe’s The Final Countdown was # 10.

Here is the video for Bon Jovi’s big hit off of Slippery When Wet, You Give Love A Bad Name.

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Check out one of the new Velvet Revolver track, “Let it Roll” from the up and coming disc, Libertad in the video below!

It is Taxday in the U.S.A today, I can not think of a music review more appropriate for Taxday 2007, than a review for Butchering the Beatles, which contains the Beatles classic, “Taxman“.

Butchering the Beatles has the biggest collection of 80’s Hard Rock Artists in one place since 1985’s Hear ‘n Aid.

Some of the songs work better than others, but what you basically get are some heavy versions of the Beatles‘ classic songs.

Some of the stand out tracks are Magical Mystery Tour, Day Tripper, I Feel Fine, Taxman and I Saw Her Standing There.

Usually, I hate discs with cover tunes, but I must admit that Butchering the Beatles is a guilty pleasure of mine. Each cut on this disc is a heaver version of the original classic, instead of faithful covers ala Shaw/Blades new disc, Influence. I get a charge out the the faster and harder versions of these tunes, and I bet this will appeal to a bunch of 80’s hard rock fans out there. This is way the cover tunes, SHOULD be done!